Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell because they help make energy. They do this through a process called cellular respiration.
Here’s how it works:
Glycolysis: This is the first step. It happens in the cytoplasm, which is the jelly-like substance inside the cell. During this step, sugar (glucose) gets broken down into a smaller molecule called pyruvate. This process makes a little bit of ATP, which is the energy the cell uses.
Krebs Cycle: Next, the pyruvate moves into the mitochondria. Here, it turns into a molecule called Acetyl CoA. In this cycle, some electrons are released. This step makes even more ATP and also creates energy carriers like NADH and FADH2.
Electron Transport Chain: In this step, the electrons from NADH and FADH2 move through a series of proteins. This movement creates a proton gradient, which helps produce a lot of ATP—about 34 molecules from just one glucose molecule!
This process of making energy is super important. It helps power many activities in the cell, like moving muscles and dividing cells.
Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell because they help make energy. They do this through a process called cellular respiration.
Here’s how it works:
Glycolysis: This is the first step. It happens in the cytoplasm, which is the jelly-like substance inside the cell. During this step, sugar (glucose) gets broken down into a smaller molecule called pyruvate. This process makes a little bit of ATP, which is the energy the cell uses.
Krebs Cycle: Next, the pyruvate moves into the mitochondria. Here, it turns into a molecule called Acetyl CoA. In this cycle, some electrons are released. This step makes even more ATP and also creates energy carriers like NADH and FADH2.
Electron Transport Chain: In this step, the electrons from NADH and FADH2 move through a series of proteins. This movement creates a proton gradient, which helps produce a lot of ATP—about 34 molecules from just one glucose molecule!
This process of making energy is super important. It helps power many activities in the cell, like moving muscles and dividing cells.